Hi, I'm Grace!
I'm in my Second Year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Civil Engineering majoring in Structural. I caught up with the Women in Engineering team to chat all things engineering and offer my advice to new engineering students.
What or who inspired you to choose engineering?
I was deeply inspired by my dad, who has worked in construction his entire career and is now a site manager. Growing up around construction sites, I developed a fascination with how projects come to life. His problem-solving and leadership showed me the impact of engineering, sparking my passion for the field and it made me want to pursue a similar path where I could contribute to building and shaping the world around me.
Why did you choose the discipline you are studying?
I chose civil engineering because I want to work in the construction industry and be directly involved in building and shaping our world. The practical side of this discipline intrigues me, as I can see its impact in everyday life. I enjoy the hands-on nature of civil engineering, and the opportunity to work on-site allows me to be right in the action, which makes the field even more exciting.
What is one thing about university or engineering that you wished you knew earlier?
One thing I wish I knew earlier is how much help is available from learning centres and lecturers. There are so many resources and support systems in place that I didn’t fully appreciate at first. I also didn’t expect how supportive the women in this degree are. Despite it being a male-dominated field, we all encourage and support each other, creating a positive and collaborative environment.
What made you pick engineering at the University of Queensland over other universities?
I chose engineering at the University of Queensland because of its strong reputation, and focus on practical, hands-on learning. The university's commitment to innovation and research, along with its supportive environment, really stood out to me. UQ also offers excellent opportunities for industry connections and placements, which is important for my career aspirations in the construction industry. The community here, especially with the focus on supporting women in engineering, made it feel like the right place for me to grow and thrive.
Give us your best tip for first-year engineering students?
My best tip for first-year engineering students is to ask for help when you need it. Whether it's from your lecturers, tutors, or classmates, don't hesitate to reach out—there's a lot of support available, and collaborating with others makes a big difference. Also, embrace the challenge and enjoy the learning process—every small step builds towards bigger goals!
Tell us your favourite example of amazing engineering?
My favourite example of amazing engineering is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It's a marvel of structural and architectural engineering, standing as the tallest building in the world. The innovative design and the engineering challenges faced, from the wind forces to the foundation required to support its height, are truly impressive.
What's your dream engineering job when you graduate?
My dream engineering job when I graduate is to work as an on-site engineer. I’m eager to be directly involved in the construction process, overseeing projects, solving real-time challenges, and ensuring everything runs smoothly on-site. I enjoy being hands-on and seeing the immediate impact of my work, and this role would give me the opportunity to be at the heart of the action, contributing to the successful completion of large-scale projects.
What do you hope to achieve as a WE student leader?
As a WE student leader, I hope to inspire and support other women pursuing engineering by creating a strong sense of community where they feel comfortable sharing their opinions. I want to provide resources and encouragement to ensure women feel confident and supported in a male-dominated field, helping them overcome challenges and thrive in their studies and future careers.